The Paris-based public transit company Transdev held an autonomous transit vehicle demonstration at the Mall at University Town Center on Monday, showcasing technology intended to increase pedestrian safety and mobility and reduce carbon emissions. The demonstration was held in conjunction with Manatee County's Benderson Development, the mall and EasyMile, a French company that specializes in so-called "last-mile" solutions for mass transit and develops software for autonomous transit vehicles. Benderson is "actively looking at emerging technologies" such as the autonomous vehicles to complement transportation options in the area, according to a press release statement by Todd Mathes, Benderson's director of development.